SNES: Visual Display Distortion Issue

[theguywhoplaysgames]

Hello, first time posting here, but I decided to see if anyone knew what might be going on with my SNES. Awhile back ago I bought it at my local game store only to find out that the display has some major distortion issues. It seems to only affect certain backgrounds in-game. I have tried several troubleshooting methods and have concluded that it is the console itself and not the games or cables. I would be willing to try to repair it myself but I have no clue where to begin. So, this is where I am at now, if anybody would have any ideas or suggestions about what could be causing this or how to fix it would be much appreciated.



Here are some pictures of the display on my SNES:
8172 8173 8174 8175

[Gentlegamer]

Play on CRT.

[theguywhoplaysgames]

I have tested this console on a CRT TV. It still had the distortions. Like stated I really think the issue lies inside the console but just can't seem to find a solution for this problem I'm having.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

[Niku-Sama]

Are you using the rf out or the av out?

[theguywhoplaysgames]

Are you using the rf out or the av out?


Both RF and AV outputs show the same distortions in the image. Though those particular set of photos that I took I was using AV out.

[Niku-Sama]

Hmm well that's odd. I've only seen something like this affect rf before.

Have the security bits to open it up?

I'd check for anything physical or if the ordinary and if still nothing then gently press on the chips while it's on to see if it changes at all

[theguywhoplaysgames]

Interesting, so I guess I'm a unique case then, Anyways... I have actually ordered the security bits on Amazon the other day and they should arrive tomorrow.

I'll try to take a look at the console and tinker with it and see what comes about.

In the mean time thanks for the help and suggestions, I'll keep ya posted.

[Niku-Sama]

well kinda unique, I've seen similar problems in the past but it was either a bad RF unit or bad RF output, haven't seen it personally affect both RF and AV outs.
I'm kinda wondering if the rf output box on the board it self inside the system is pushing interference down twards the encoder and that's why it looks like so on both outs.

only way to tell is to pop it open and remove the rf module on board which isn't hard but I'd still check n see if theres any physical damage or odd things on the board it self and press on the chips to see theres a weak connection some place.

all of them seem just as likely as the other, might as well start at easiest first

[theguywhoplaysgames]

Well I took apart the SNES and I must say it was a rather interesting experience

Though I tried pressing down on all the chips while having it on and unfortunately there was no change to the display.



The Board:

Front
http://i.imgur.com/F6MUkGb.jpg?2

Back
http://i.imgur.com/WkAH2kF.jpg?2

I think the board looks okay but I noticed that on the back there was some yellow like residue on some of the circuits.

Here is a closer look of the residue that I'm talking about:
8186

Now I don't know if this could be causing the issue as I really don't know exactly what that could be.



You mentioned that I could try and remove the RF module on the SNES. I would be willing to attempt that but is there any guides or videos that explains how to properlly do it? As I am no expert at removing stuff from a circuit board.

[Niku-Sama]

The yellow stuff is left overs from assembly, probably flux.

If you search on YouTube:
Desoldering through hole components

You'll probably find a general walk through about desoldering in general.
When i get back on my real computer (on phone now) I'll circle what's required to take the rf out, off.

It's only a possibility it still could be something else but this is free. And how often do you use rf any more?

Thinking about it though i might have another idea. Until i get back to you go learns that desoldering, it's useful to know how to do

[theguywhoplaysgames]

I already went ahead and took some initiative and learned about soldering and desoldering and quite frankly it doesn't look that difficult. I would have to possibly get a new soldering iron, but I would attempt to remove the RF module.

The only time I actually used RF was to see what the display looked on it so to me it's somewhat worthless.

But yea I'm all ears for any other suggestions you have, as it has been very interesting learning about the insides of the SNES and has inspired me to learn more about repairing consoles in general.